Kwaito legends Trompies added to Afropunk Joburg bill

Kwaito legends Trompies have been added to the line-up at Afropunk Joburg. Formed in Soweto in the ‘90s, the group was central to creating the music and movement known as kwaito, and their repertoire spans over 20 years of hits which are sure to get the crowd dancing at the highly anticipated year-end bash in the City.

Winners of the Afropunk Battle of the Bands, Red Robyn and Ikati Esengxoweni are set to open the proceedings on 30 and 31 December at Constitution Hill.  Red Robyn, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Durban and Port Elizabeth’s Ikati Esengxoweni, a soulful acoustic duo from Port Elizabeth, have won the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to amaze crowds at the internationally-acclaimed festival.

“I entered The Battle Of The Bands because this year I saw that I could take music more seriously and this was a great platform and opportunity to show people what I was about. The final was the largest crowd I ever played to! I am a fan of the Afropunk aesthetic and music identity, so I thought if I won, this could be a great way for me to locate more of my audience and people who might respond to the music I am now making,” said Red Robyn.

Ikati Esengxoweni established their band in Port Elizabeth two years ago, and describe their sound as alternative and eclectic.

“Our aim is to inspire young Black women and show them that anyone can do this if they just believe,” said Ikati Esengxoweni’s Anam Manyati.

Lark Wantu, Ikati Esengxoweni band member, said they were overwhelmed and excited as the band had always dreamt of performing at Afropunk.

“This festival is important, as it’s much more than a festival, it’s a movement that celebrates black art and excellence. It’s a platform with a cause and a great global networking tool,” said Wantu.